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Is Marijuana Addictive?

Marijuana. Addictive or no? That question has been batted back and forth for decades. While many, especially regular users, say, "Absolutely not!" others are convinced that the answer is a resounding "Yes!" So which is it? Marijuana is a political hot button, thus much research has concentrated on the addictive properties of this plant.

The vast majority of those who use marijuana do so occasionally and exhibit no addictive symptoms — no increased tolerance, no cravings and no withdrawal. In other words, they can take it or leave it.

According to NIDA, marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit drug in the U.S. Why? It’s accessible, affordable, and not considered harmful. In addition, more and more state legislatures are legalizing medicinal marijuana. Presently, 16 states and DC have legalized medical marijuana, and 12 states have pending legislation. Fourteen states have decriminalized marijuana, and cities and counties within certain states have followed suit. California and a few other places have removed almost all penalties for possession.

According to AlterNet, 41 percent of Americans, or 102 million people, have tried marijuana at least once in their lifetime; 10 percent or 26 million Americans have used marijuana in the past year, and 6 percent, or 15 million Americans, admit to using marijuana on a ‘regular’ basis. It is estimated that around 10 percent of those who smoke marijuana on a regular basis become long term, chronic users.

HOW MARIJUANA WORKS

Some history: Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the main active chemical in marijuana. When smoked, THC quickly passes through the lungs and into the bloodstream, thus carrying it to various organs -- including the brain – where the bulk of cannabinoid receptors reside. These receptors were discovered in the 1980's, and there are two known types, CB1 and CB2, but it’s suspected there are more. These receptors mediate the high via a variety of complex mechanisms.

They are not just limited to man, animals have them, too — mammals, fish, reptiles and birds. They have an effect on coordinated movement, thinking, memory, pleasure and time perception. CB1 is found in very high levels in many regions of the brain; CB2 receptors are found in many of the immune cells, as well as neurons.

While marijuana's effects are felt within minutes, it peaks in about half an hour. It's not just a relaxed dreamy state and the munchies that constitute the high, which is what users crave — but it also has many physiological effects like dry mouth, increased heart rate, impaired coordination, delayed reaction time and slowed memory and concentration. Some smokers even experience paranoia and hallucinations. Although the effects usually wear off within three hours, THC accumulates in the fatty tissue of the liver, lungs, testes and other organs.

Urine tests can indicate the presence of marijuana for two weeks or longer for an occasional smoker. The length of time marijuana remains in the body depends not only how often a person smokes but also on how long he has been smoking. Individuals who are daily smokers can test positive 45 days after use, and heavy daily smokers can test positive 90 days after last use.

ABUSE

According to the Alcohol Drug Abuse Help & Resource Center, there is a fine line between use and abuse with respect to a psychoactive drug. Look no further than alcohol and try to come up with a definition that will delineate the two. Abuse can be defined as use that leads to significant problems in life related to: problems with work/school, use in dangerous situations (driving a car), substance-related legal problems, or continued substance use that interferes with friendships and/or family relationships. Of course, all of these are part of the definition of addiction as well.

We know anything can be abused, even water, and no one argues that marijuana can be abused. The question is whether it can be addicting as well. Which of course in the end will come down to our definition of addiction, which is why this remains controversial.

Also controversial is whether chronic use of the drug causes brain damage. There are studies that say emphatically yes, as in a new Australian study, which claims changes occur in regions of the brain, overall structure or metabolism. This study compared long term heavy use to brain damage that is equal to a mildly traumatic brain injury. But then again there are other studies, like one from the Medicinal Cannabis Research Center, which found only minor differences from the control group, not only in regards to structure and metabolism but also with respect to intelligence testing, memory and concentration.

As for physical effects, according to The Washington Post, a study reported at the American Thoracic Society International Conference found no connection between marijuana and lung cancer — even with regular and heavy marijuana smokers. This is stunning, when you consider that this is a drug that is typically smoked.

As expected, marijuana use can have an effect on driving, although not as severe (and for a shorter time frame) as alcohol. According to ADAI, while studies show that being under the influence of marijuana can cause some perception and reaction problems, many will consciously alter their driving to compensate for their decreased reaction time by driving slower and keeping a larger distance behind the car ahead. But, this compensation doesn't help if something unexpected happens and most experts at least agree on one thing with respect to marijuana: driving while high is grounds for a DUI.

ADDICTION

DSM-IV describes drug dependence as the compulsive regular use of a substance, despite ONGOING negative consequences. Addiction symptoms include all of those listed above for abuse, plus tolerance (the need for a higher dose to get the same effect), withdrawal symptoms (when the drug is stopped) and cravings.

Some drugs are very physically and psychologically addictive and have obvious, terrible withdrawal symptoms. These are easy to identify, such as heroin, barbiturates or alcohol. Others like marijuana are psychologically addictive, and the withdrawal includes psychological symptoms like anxiety, mood swings and depression. These are harder to identify, leading to the question of whether they are really related to withdrawal versus a “I miss my pot” phenomenon.

So what does it take for someone to be addicted? Is it the shakes, the sweats, and the vomiting like the junkie coming off opiates? Most folks have this image of severe symptoms— physical addiction -- as being uncontrollable. Yet the psychological addiction of marijuana is seen as less severe and hence manageable, needing only a good dose of willpower to get over it. But, the psychological craving can be stronger than the physical withdrawal. The brain wants what it wants, when it wants it and for some these cravings are overwhelming.

In other words the brain craves the drug of choice despite the negative consequences involved. Whether the addict loses his job, savings, home or family, the brain relentlessly continues to crave the drug and the user will continue to use, all the while justifying and rationalizing why he does not have a problem. After all, denial is a huge part of any addiction. It’s just a bit easier to deny with pot than with other “more dangerous” drugs.

If you acknowledge that psychological withdrawal symptoms consitiute withdrawal, then there is no doubt that marijuana meets all of the criteria to be considered addicting.

These letters come from distraught spouses, lovers, fiancés, friends and parents, not the marijuana user himself. Is he even aware his marriage is on the rocks? Does he know he has anger issues? Does he get why he was fired from work? The letters illustrate that regardless of what you want to call it, marijuana can wreck marriages, families, careers and lives.

The bottom line is this: As with everything, moderation is key. Anything can be abused, and everything should be respected. If you have become dependent on marijuana and have tried to stop but failed, even with the threat of going to jail or losing your family, friends or career then yes, I think it's safe to say you have an addiction.

Just like alcohol, some folks can smoke marijuana with little downside. It's those who start to use marijuana as a crutch, who find they must have a hit to get through the day, who cannot go a length of time without getting high, no matter what the costs.... that's when it becomes clear there's a problem. If you are having an issue with family, friends or career, and others believe that marijuana is the cause and you want to prove them wrong, there is an easy way. I tell my patients to stop smoking, completely, for six months. If you can do that, then you are probably okay. If you can't, or won’t, then guess what? You are probably addicted.

It's just a matter of time before marijuana is legalized. As more and more states put fewer and fewer restrictions on marijuana, eventually it will be legal to smoke, eat, sell and even cultivate. So, should we fight the legalization of this addictive drug? Of course not.

Chronic alcohol use causes many known physical problems, clearly defined brain damage, more auto-related fatalities and disrupts more families and careers then marijuana does, by far.It simply means that users will need to take charge of the amount and frequency of their use of this controversial drug, just like they should do with alcohol, saturated fats and sugar. That's not such a bad thing — it's called personal responsibility.

You comment states, "Occasional, non-addictive use is NOT abuse by any definition of the word. On May 5, 2012. You should reread the article, if you think it is not harmful. It alters the brain DNA.
It is "abuse" because is violates federal law.

In depth research into Cannabis has only started to get funding very recently, and we are now starting to see with empirical evidence what it's REAL Pros and Cons are, Chemically / Biochemically.

I would look Skeptically at any claim which asserts with confidence that it has OBVIOUS good or bad effects to health which outweigh the debate one way or the other.

This is because we can manipulate the Plant Chemistry to suit our needs, so it really isn't black or white.

That said, research showing it's potential medical benefits have been far more apparent than the Psychological impact in can have with Schizophrenia and other Psychosis, Anxiety, Paranoia, Depression etc...

Funnily enough, it has also been shown to help treat Anxiety and Paranoia as well, depending on the Cannabinoid ratios. Also, the Cannabinoid CBD (Cannabidiol) has been shown to exhibit some anti-psychosis properties, which is intriguing to say the least. Many of the problems people experience from Cannabis is mainly from THC and some other related chemicals interacting with it.

It is actually a pretty complex topic. Not surprising considering the other marvels that Evolution has brought us, and the study of the ratios of chemicals in the Plants and how they can treat or harm us can therefore be controlled and used to our advantage, reducing it's risks significantly.

Question 1: If Phytocannabinoids damage our "Brain DNA", why does this differ from our natural Endocannabinoids which use the same receptors?

Question 2: What do you mean by "Brain DNA"? All of our cells have the same Chromosomal DNA coiled up in their Nucleus, so what are you referring to? The part of the Genetic Code (The genes) which affect the production and tasks of our Brain Cells found in all Somatic cells?

Hello and thank you for the article, it's always very interesting to read these kind of pieces. My concern though is about how you place Marijuana as the culprit for those who use it as a crutch. I do agree that Marijuana as with any other substance or thing you might abuse can cause problems in your life; what I don't agree with is that Marijuana specifically plays a differentiated role actively causing more problems for the user who is abusing it. The problem a user has that leads him to abuse is the core issue that must be addressed and not any inherit properties of the plant itself. For those people that sent you letters about their loved ones; in my opinion they could have well been abusing sugar and it would have had the same result in conflict. Marijuana doesn't make you be lazy, it doesn't make you loose your job, it doesn't make you fight with your wife; it's your inner problems that made you start abusing Marijuana in the first place that causes all this. I just think people are to eager to blame a plant for their own personal issues that they have yet to deal with. I tell you this because I have been in both sides of the coin. I have used Marijuana when I had problems in high school and I still use Marijuana today now that I own a successful business, own my own house and have 3 beautiful kids. It was a problem for me back then because I was using it to fill a void my dad left when he left to work to another country but now that I'm an adult and I have resolved those issues with my dad I can use it responsibly and not as a crutch; taking my own personal experience into account one can conclude that Marijuana itself is not the culprit for abuse but rather the physiological circumstance that lead to the abuse, Marijuana was just what the person used as a crutch.

Hello and thank you for the article, it's always very interesting to read these kind of pieces. My concern though is about how you place Marijuana as the culprit for those who use it as a crutch. I do agree that Marijuana as with any other substance or thing you might abuse can cause problems in your life; what I don't agree with is that Marijuana specifically plays a differentiated role actively causing more problems for the user who is abusing it. The problem a user has that leads him to abuse is the core issue that must be addressed and not any inherit properties of the plant itself. For those people that sent you letters about their loved ones; in my opinion they could have well been abusing sugar and it would have had the same result in conflict. Marijuana doesn't make you be lazy, it doesn't make you loose your job, it doesn't make you fight with your wife; it's your inner problems that made you start abusing Marijuana in the first place that causes all this. I just think people are to eager to blame a plant for their own personal issues that they have yet to deal with. I tell you this because I have been in both sides of the coin. I have used Marijuana when I had problems in high school and I still use Marijuana today now that I own a successful business, own my own house and have 3 beautiful kids. It was a problem for me back then because I was using it to fill a void my dad left when he left to work to another country but now that I'm an adult and I have resolved those issues with my dad I can use it responsibly and not as a crutch; taking my own personal experience into account one can conclude that Marijuana itself is not the culprit for abuse but rather the physiological circumstance that lead to the abuse, Marijuana was just what the person used as a crutch.

I agree that it's the person who is the addict rather than the plant that is addictive; however, once a person meets those criteria for addiction Dr. Archer enumerates, the fact remains it's addiction. Yes, if there were no substances in the world, it might be anesthetizing with gambling, shopping, food, or any number of things.

Pschologists usually demand whatever substance the person is on be stopped before they feel they can proceed with therapy to get to the underlying issues causing the patient to feel he must anesthetize himself. I don't necessarily agree with this since until those issues are resolved, stopping is such a big problem. I have always wondered if maybe doing therapy while the person was high on marijuana, having them dredge up the pain they are using the substance to avoid, might be effective in some cases. Undergoing psychotherapy while high would be very unpleasant for many addicts, and it might help them stop thinking of that high as a shelter from the pain if they are called on to experience the pain while high.

Marijuana is unlike liquor and most other drugs in that for many people, smoking it can make them dwell on their problems even more and give them a sinister tinge. Many people wouldn't want to use it when they were having big worries, and it wouldn't alleviate their worries. For others, it seems to work like heroin in blotting out the bad. Those are the real addicts.

Thank you Dr. Archer you are always so insightful on whatever you write. This is all information that we never had growing up in the 70's. Love this is a very educational tool to share with other parents of troubled teens. Knowledge is Power.

Isn't the unrelenting perpetual persistence to legalize and medicinalize it use globally. evident to its addiction. That it is thirty times more potent, than a few decades ago, evident of its harm. Considering that a low potency opium, maybe as harmful as a high potency marijuana.

In the section where you mentioned the "letters" you received, please explain why it is that every single one of them has a man as the one to blame? This seems ridiculously bigoted to me. If you are going to fabricate "letters" it would be immensely helpful if you make them seem plausible.

Submitted by Successful Woman Business Owner/ Smoker on April 4, 2014 - 11:03am

I too had the same thought about the letters received. They seem to be gender biased. Sounds like a bunch of whining housewives. Please, people, educate yourselves to the substance. Anything can be misused. Marijuana is a flower from a plant. It has its purpose in the medicinal world just as chamomile tea or a lavender oil does. Lets examine both sides of the scope before slinging rocks at something that has the potential to be beneficial to society.

all drugs manipulate brain chemistry--- therein it MUST follow that Marijuana must have physically addicting tendencies. Whether you call this a second class addiction or withdrawal, is beside the point. ANything that give you instant gratification is addictive physically, the brain exposed to marijuana everyday for 10 years will start to break down. I have non stop panic attacks when I smoke, and I had to quit... it is not the miracle drug all the potheads claim it to be, and I have smoked for 12 years so dont tell me I dont know whatg im talking about....all the drugs we take recreationally do the same thing, alter brain chemistry....some are just better then others. SO YES it is very valid as a physical addicton. Physical being not in the mind, an actual chemical imbalance or something.

These are some interesting comments."All drugs manipulate brain chemistry" "It must follow that MJ is addicting." Is someone trying to tell me that Tylenol or aspirin affects brain function? I think not. Paula says that she, "agrees that it is the person who is the addict rather than the plant that is addictive." That makes no sense at all unless a person is talking about someone with an addictive personality but even then an addictive substance is needed for the person to become addicted as per the medical definition. If a person uses a truly addictive substance

I worked as a Registered Nurse on psychiatric and Chemical Dependency units for the 20 year period ending November 1999. During all of that time the research and word from the disease Control Headquarters was that "Marijuana was not addictive but that a person could become psychologically dependent on it. The test has always been for any substance to see if it is physically addictive or not is, is there a physical withdrawal when the person stops using it.

Have the medical authorities suddenly seen new valid research that proves that there is a physical addiction potential if a person uses marijuana long enough, so that it now says it is addictive? I don't know as I have not seen the research. To be able to make any real analysis of whether any specific research is valid or not, a knowledgeable person must see the details of the research to be able to tell whether it is valid or not. I have seen a lot of research papers where the study is set up so poorly that it doesn't prove anything but that doesn't stop people who want it to be true from claiming the invalid research as true and proof of what they want people to believe.

Marijuana has been shown to be a significant aid in reducing the side effects of Radiation Therapy and chemo therapy for cancer. Enough so that at times it can make the difference between whether the person lives or dies from that therapy. It also has been shown to help reduce the symptoms of certain chronic painful diseases. Because MJ has been proven to be effective in helping a person with these medical issues we must be very careful in discussing it. People who have needed MJ for medical reasons have been denied the use of MJ for as long as I remember. It seems like that is changing and I am so thankful to see this new trend that helps certain medical conditions so much. It disturbs me that many lay people who discuss the issue in forums like this, for the main, don't seem to think very well using logic and reason.

So let us actually think about this issue using good judgment and not let our emotions cloud our higher faculties. Thank you for reading this to anyone who took the time.